Great Waterways Blogs

Jill Budd

After 6 years aboard our Narrowboat Matilda Rose in the UK, we took the plunge and shipped her across to Europe. After 2 years in Europe we knew we didn't want to return to the UK so took the plunge and purchased a 1902 20 mtr Dutch Tjalk called Francoise and are now continuing our travels of the waterways of Europe in a buxom wench

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City living in Brugge

We had intended to leave today but the wind is, again, horrendous and cruising in strong winds leads to domestics so we stayed put. At least it’s not raining today but it does mean Daisy has to stay in again I’m afraid so we’ve converted the shower tray into a playpen. Good job this mouse is only stuffed with catnip – talking of mice, G fixed my radio speaker today returning the audio from mono to stereo – little mouse with clogs on (long term mouse resident that Daisy dropped in the boat alive last year) had chewed through the speaker cable.

Also playtime for dogs – Herbie and Muttley give it some wellie in the park

There is a smaller park near our moorings and it has a superb adventure playground for older children. Debbie and I decided to have some play time too, but I forgot I was 60 and overdid it a bit. Once I’d gone up the ladder, shimmied across the wobbly rope and up into the tree house I wasn’t at all sure about reversing the process and the alternative routes down were even more scary! No, I don’t have any photos but I’m pretty sure some will turn up somewhere sooner or later with me looking petrified. Kevin was wondering if he should go and tell G his wife was stuck 20 ft up, or just cut to the chase and call the fire brigade – well, they get cats down.

Kevin was off doing a city tour on a Segue yesterday (in the pouring rain) so Debbie, G and I had a further look around the city and the two of them managed to persuade me to buy a bag. Debbie bought one without needing persuading. I also bought some nice brightly coloured pottery – so that’ll be me shopped out for the foreseeable future! I did find this amazing coffee machine which reminded me of The Dreamers and Greygal (can’t think why!)

Although I’m not much of a shopper, the shops here do look much more enticing and I love all the gateways and arches

Nights lights reflected in our paintwork

To be honest, the weather forecast is not looking much better until at least Wednesday. As I type this the wind seems to be getting even stronger.

NB QISMAsaid

We came down from Elton into Peterborough in the wind today! Managed it without a domestic … There’s a first. Crossing Middle Levels Sunday/Monday and up to Denver 1645 on Monday. Then, please, then, we can relax!! Had,the most fantastic meal at The Crown last night. Top Tip from G. Take care xx